Studio: international art (2.1894)

New Publications

NEW PUBLICATIONS.

Greek Vase Paintings. By J. E. Harrison and
D. S. Maccoi.l. (London: T. Fisher Unwin. 21s.)—
If one estimated the value of books by their cubic
bulk, this would most probably prove to be the least
expensive volume on Art ever issued; but it is
well able to maintain a position hardly less pro-
minent by right of artistic merit. As " D. S. M."
writes in a preface that is a model of its class :
" This book addresses itself to artists and amateurs

■ft'*",'

of fine design, and attempts to render them a
service by bringing together choice examples of
Greek vase painting which have hitherto been
accessible in no handy form and at no moderate
price." A learned and remarkably illuminative
essay by Miss Jane Harrison considers the history,
shapes and uses of the various vases, and deals
fully with the various masters of the art of vase
painting. Forty-three plates follow, which include
a series of admirable reproductions from the most
beautiful specimens in European collections. As
the book measures nearly 18 by 14—and some of
the subjects occupy double pages—it will be
evident that the drawings are not cramped, or so
reduced as to be mere diagrams. Both as a prize
for a student of art or literature, and as a reference
volume for both artists and writers, the work is
simply indispensable. Hitherto the historical and
archaeological societies buried these treasures amid
all sorts of learned papers in volumes that do not
attract the artist; here, by fine critical selection the
best have been gathered together in a sumptuous
group prepared for the study and delectation of
those interested in design. The cover, by Mr. D.
S. Maccoll, strikes one at first sight as curiously
un-Greek; but after renewed acquaintance with the
vase-paintings inside it is justified. From its assi-
milation of certain features of this class of decora-

tion heretofore almost overlooked, so as to produce
a design that obstinately refuses to be classified
with any previous attempt, it is an instance of
originality based on precedent which deserves warm
appreciation.

Hans Memling. By A J. Wauters. (Brus-
sels : Dietrich et Cie, 5 2 Rue Montagne de la
Cour. 12 fr.)—A monograph on a great Flemish
master of the fifteenth century, by a painter of the
nineteenth century who bids fair to be enrolled
among the masters, is in itself a subject to attract
attention. Add to-this some
77 illustrations admirably re-
produced and a very finely
printed text, and the mere
mention will set many readers
in pursuit of copies. Hans
Memlinc, as Mr. W. H. J.
Weale has definitely fixed the
orthography of a name mas-
querading in earlier writers as
Hemling, is one of the com-
paratively few painters who
despite their archaisms are
entirely in touch with the mood
of to-day. To be more precise,
we may say that, like Sandro
Botticelli, Mantegna, Bellini
and some others, they are the
chosen heroes of a certain
school which may be more or
less correctly included under
the broad term Pre-Raphaelite.
The text of the book, charm-
ing and accomplished as it is,
can hardly be regarded as final,
since the researches of Mr.
Weale lead to very different conclusions on several
important matters. Here it must suffice to praise
the book on its own merits—one can but wish
every old master worthy the honour were the sub-
ject of a monograph as beautiful as this. It is a
book to keep among one's best-beloved illustrated
editions, where it will hold its own for excellence.

Practical Essays on Art. By John Burnet.
(London : Memorial Hall, Ludgate Circus. 2s. 6d.
net.)—A reprint of the original editions of
Burnet's volumes on Composition in Painting, Light
and Shade, and the Education of the Eye, issued
respectively in 1822, 1826, and 1837, has been
once before issued in New York, where it enjoyed
considerable popularity. One hundred and thirty
diagrams and illustrations, more or less satisfac-
tory, illuminate the text of this latest reprint. The
New Criticism would probably smile at some
remarks herein, but for a student it is well to
know the accepted canons of earlier days, even if
he feels compelled to abandon them. But the
most striking feature of these essays is their gene-
rally up-to-date advice, which is far more modern
than the examples chosen to illustrate it. The
book is quite worth purchasing.

The Pottery and Porcelain of the United Slates.
By Edwin Atlee Barber, Ph.D., with 223
Illustrations. (London: G. P. Putnam's Sons.)—